Tag Archives | True

Fray is a quarterly series of independently produced books that are filled with true personal stories, articles and original art. Each one revolves around a central storytelling theme, and is about proving that extraordinary things happen to ordinary people.

It’s about finding that common thread that connects us all together. And it’s an invitation and a dare to get involved: What’s your story?

For a little history, Fray began as a website, where they presented individually designed, true first-person stories. It then evolved into a series of live storytelling events, Fray Days and Fray Cafes that took place all over the world and were attended by thousands of people. Now, the book phase that they’re currently in is their third evolution, and hopefully their best to date.

Their first issue was called ‘Busted’, and it was all about “true stories of getting caught in the act”. Their current issue, called Geek, is about “true stories of taking things too seriously” and features 60 pages of true stories, interviews and original art in full color, as well as a special pull-out centerfold.

In addition, they’re currently having a sale, and for just $35 plus shipping, you’ll get the first two issues, a limited edition Geek pocket protector, and two more issues in 2009.

If you’d like to participate in Fray, their next issue is called Sex & Death, and they’re taking submissions until January 31, 200, so you’ve got a limited amount of time to get something in.

Either way though, it’s definitely a unique format that bucks the trend of high quantity, ad supported printing, and with a bunch of very passionate people supporting it, it’s definitely worth checking out to see what you think.

Bryce Watson (seen above) is in fact a real first officer with a major U.S. carrier, but that doesn’t mean he can clear a plane for takeoff using only his iPhone.

Unfortunately (for the world), these ads have already started to give people ideas, as one story shows:

On a flight to Memphis, Tennessee, an airline captain received a call from one of his flight attendants, who said, “Some guy with an iPhone says the weather is good and wants to know what the real reason is for the delay. Is something wrong with the plane?”

Thankfully, the pilot replied (over the PA system): “If the passenger with the iPhone would be kind enough to use it to check the weather at our alternate airport, then calculate our revised fuel burn due to being rerouted, then call our dispatcher to arrange our amended release, then make a call to the nearest traffic control center to arrange a new slot time (among all the other aircraft carrying passengers with iPhones), we’ll then be more than happy to depart. Please ring your call button to advise the flight attendant and your fellow passengers when you deem it ready and responsible for this multimillion-dollar aircraft and its 84 passengers to safely leave.

Remember everyone: It might be a wonder phone, but it can’t take the place of a highly trained air traffic control staff.